Tips for shopping for perfume

Perfume works well to highlight our individualities. Once you know what smell fits your personality, image and lifestyle, it's time to go shopping. But be aware - shopping for perfumes usually is not an easy task. Do you know how to shop for the right perfume?

First of all, don't use any fragrance before going to the shops. If you perfume yourself and then go out and use another perfume, you won't be able to detect the real smell. This can lead to disappointment later because the new perfume will smell different than the first time, unless of course you use both fragrances each time. Avoid spicy food before shopping, as it might temporarily take away the ability to distinguish different scents. Remember that your nose is ‘rested' in the morning, thus it's the best time to try out new perfumes. You may be too tired in the evening to choose between sandalwood with a hint of amber and sandalwood with a hint of musk.

It's very important to try on the perfume before you actually buy them. The same perfume smells differently on each person because of different reaction to one's body. So if the commercial says it smells like fresh citrus with a hint of patchouli, it's better to try out what it really smells like when it mixes with your own scent. Individual body chemistry is also the reason why you shouldn't buy perfumes just because you like how they smell on your friend or cousin. Always try a fragrance on your skin, not on your clothing or a tester sheet.

You don't have to decide whether you like the perfume or not right after trying them out. The scent is always very strong when applied; it usually wears out after more than 10 minutes and then you can feel the real smell. This period of time is also needed for fragrance to react with your skin. Give yourself a little time to decide!

If you're not sure what perfume you really want to have, it's ok to try several types and brands. However, you should avoid spraying more than three different perfumes at a time. If you try out too many scents they will confuse your smell and you won't be able to recognize the difference between them.

Try on some new scents. It won't hurt and you can make some great discoveries! If you're an attached person and you've been loyal to lily of the valley scent since early teen days, you can find a whole new world inside local perfume shop. Just don't be afraid to experiment! If you're looking for perfumes for a daytime, remember that the smell shouldn't disturb you or people around you. If perfume smells great, but it attracts your attention all the time, there's a great possibility that the smell will irritate you after several hours. Perfumes for evening and special occasions are meant to be heavier and stronger, but they usually don't irritate because they are supposed to be worn for a shorter period of time.

Keep an eye on discounts. Many perfume shops offer ‘perfume of the day' or ‘perfume of the week' with a considerable rebate. Don't miss out on discount coupons in local press or mall; they can help you to save a little or even afford the fragrance you've dreamt about for years. Also, don't be shy to ask shop assistant about additional discounts: many shops apply some extra rebates to loyal clients. Maybe all you have to do is sign up for shop's loyalty program. If you're faithful to one and only perfume, buying bigger phial is always an option that pays off.